Visiting the Witch Trials of Salem Ma

Salem Ma is probably best known for its Witch Trials of 1692, when the hysterics of two young girls created a frenzied panic of witchcraft and demons to the townspeople.

Nineteen people were condemned to death and hundreds of others were imprisoned, simply based on accusations and with no real evidence.

It’s disturbing to know that innocent lives were lost and families torn apart, simply based on the made-up hysterics of a few people.

A black mark indeed, however Salem has certainly learned how to embrace its past and educate others about its dreadful history, while making for an interesting visit.

Festivities in Salem

Halloween is highly regarded in Salem. The city plays ups its haunted history, dedicating the whole month of October for its haunting celebrations.

Haunted Happenings starts with a parade, and continues through the month with family events, attractions, shops, haunted houses and costumed balls.

This is a very popular place to visit for Halloween. Hundred of thousands of people flock to here this time of year.

People of all ages will enjoy the celebration. However, very young children may find some of the exhibits a little too scary for their liking.

Although October is the best time to go, it does get crowded. Park your car, and walk around the festivities, because traffic is just frightening!

Witch Museums

The Salem Witch Museum is touted as the most visited place in Salem. This may be true, but it wasn’t one of my favorites.

To me it was just okay. From the outside, the building looks creepy, and I was expecting it to be better than it was, since it is the number one tourist place there.

If you know anything about the Witch Trials, and are expected to be dazzled with more information, you may not find what you’re looking for at this Museum.

Actually it’s more of a show than a museum, consisting of tape recorded voices and mannequin figures. It costs about $8 and last for about an hour.

The Witch Dungeon Museum, I thought was a little more interesting. It’s a recreated dungeon where the condemned witches were sent.

It starts off with a presentation of the witch trials, and after which you are escorted to the dungeon. The dungeon may give you the creeps, but I think that’s what it’s supposed to do.

The displayed figures look almost human in the dark prison, and watch out of dark corners, you may find something lurking there, and may jump out at you.

I wouldn’t recommend the dungeon for small children, but older children may find it awesome.

And as an adult, I enjoyed it greatly.

October isn’t the only time to visit, but it is definitely the most popular time of year.

You can go year round to the museums, hang out by the grave yard, go on a Ghost Walk Tour, and many other things. However, in the winter months, several attractions are closed.

Although Salem is best known for its witch trials, there are also other cool things to see while here.

The Pirates Museum is pretty interesting. It’s more of a tour than a museum, but kids will love it, and the tour guides make it more fun, they really are quite entertaining.

The whole tour lasted about 30 minutes, and costs about $8.00.

House of Seven Gables. This 17th-century wooden mansion was the inspiration for the classic Nathaniel Hawthorne novel.

We really enjoyed our visit to the House, the grounds are beautiful, the house is awesome and the secret staircase was cool too.

Our tour guide was very funny and well-informed. He pointed out all the interesting details of the house and told us it was built in 1668 and is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in the United States.

The grounds were absolutely beautiful. The property is located right on the harbor, and the gardens filled with flowers and plants makes for an incredible view. It’s quite calming.

There is a charge to tour the house and grounds, however I was told that all proceeds go to community programs. The cost for an adult is $12.00 and children $7.00

If you’re a Hawthorne fan, this visit will be a treat, if you’re not, you may well become one after your visit. I’d recommend reading “House of Seven Gables” prior to your visit.

Oh if you do decide to go in October, be aware this is the busiest time of year in Salem, so the tour lines may be very long, and finding lodgings become difficult the closer it gets to October, so plan your trip here way in advance.

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